September 2019 Forum Focus by Sevensioux

Forum Focus The free monthly news magazine for the Blandford area

September 2019 Issue No. 90 Est: 2012

Brewery estate ‘soulless’ claims planning group DETAILED plans were due to be submitted by the end of August or early September for the first phase of redevelopment of the former brewery site in Blandford St Mary. Preliminary works have been underway creating roads, drainage and an attenuation pond for the new homes. Agents Savills and developers Drew Smith, the Southamptonbased regional branch of Galliford Try Partnerships who are delivering the project for Homes England, held a neighbourhood consultation in the Brewery Visitor Centre on August 2 to present their proposals and seek feedback. Their proposals are for 63 homes which are hoped to be completed by March 2022. An illustrated scheme showing two-and-a-half or three-storeys flats and houses, some terraced, focuses on a pedestrian-friendly layout with strong linkage through the site towards the Mortain bridge leading into Blandford town centre. The only vehicular access is off the Bournemouth Road via the northerly brewery entrance which will be widened. Members of the Blandford + Neighbourhood planning team attended the presentation. Chairman Roger Carter said his view was that the positive aspects were the good pedestrian links to the Stour Meadows and the town,

FORUM FOCUS

boosting town centre trade, the proximity to public transport and the appropriate design and mix of house styles, although the proportion of private and rented is unknown. But concerns, as well as the increase in traffic on to an already busy road, were that with only 1.5 vehicles per dwelling there was insufficient parking space for occupiers and visitors, no provision of a play area for young children, and no other community facility than the brewery visitor centre planned either for this phase or the remaining phases. "I cited the way in which the Dorchester brewery site had been developed with its mix of cinemas, businesses and accommodation. This will not be replicated on our brewery site," said Mr Carter, a former town mayor. "I expressed overall frustration that Blandford St Mary is developing at a rapid pace with insufficient thought given to infrastructure in the widest sense of that word, adding to the overburdening of the B+ area as a dormitory settlement, the loss of village identity and the creation of soulless ghetto-like areas. "This is something that needs urgent discussion by the town council, Blandford + and the strategic planners at Dorset County, before the next phases are developed."

Junior Carnival Princess Charmia Fowler with attendants Rhianna Martin and Lara Miller, Miss Blandford Carnival Lauren Gulbins, and Glamorous Granny Jackie Vacher will be heading up this year's Carnival procession.

Countdown to carnival WITCHES, warlocks, muggles and magical creatures of all shapes and sizes have been summoned to Blandford Carnival Committee's Harry Potter Quiz on Monday September 2 at the Royal British Legion, starting 7.30pm. Fancy Dress is optional, but there are bonus points in it for teams of up to six people, with a grand prize for the winner. Booking is advised by emailing blandfordcarnival@talktalk.net with team details. All proceeds will be shared with local causes and help keep the carnival spirit alive and well and ready for Carnival Day. Diminishing sales and the use of the more environmentally friendly social media has resulted in the committee deciding not to print a programme this year, but procession entry forms have started to come in and are available from Blandford Shoe Repairs and Miles of Value, as well as on the Blandford Carnival Facebook page and • To Page 4

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September 2019

FORUM FOCUS CONTACTS Editorial: Nicci Brown T: 01258 459346 E: editor@forumfocus.co.uk Advertising: John Stayt T: 01258 454427 E: advertising@forumfocus.co.uk Distribution: Jackie Stayt T: 01258 456999 E: distribution@forumfocus.co.uk Design: David Eidlestein T: 01258 450989 E: de@deadlines.eclipse.co.uk Forum Focus is an independent, not-forprofit, community publication produced entirely by volunteers. We are always pleased to receive offers of help.

CONTRIBUTING Forum Focus welcomes the submission of articles and reports from clubs and societies but asks that they are kept to a maximum of 200 words. If you have pictures you would like to share with us, our readers and our website visitors, please send them, with brief descriptions, by email to editor@forumfocus.co.uk. Low resolution pictures cannot be printed in the paper.

ON THE WEBSITE www.forumfocus.co.uk Diary events are updated regularly on our website so it is always worth logging on to stay up to date with what’s happening in the area. The website also carries additional pictures of local events and background information on stories.

Where to find Forum Focus IF anyone would like to join our team to deliver in their own or any other area that has no delivery, please get in touch (see contacts above). Copies can be picked up from any of our drop points below: Blandford and Blandford St Mary: Morrisons, Greyhound Yard; M&S Langton Road; The Post Office, Library and Parish Centre in The Tabernacle, the Corn Exchange, the Spar shop in Market Place, Gorge Cafe in East Street, Blandford Museum in the Market Place, the Tourist Information Centre in West Street, Chaffers in Salisbury Street, James Newsagents in The Plocks, the Co-op in Salisbury Road, the 3Cs in Damory Street, the Damory Garage and One Stop in Salisbury Road, Cherry's hairdressers in Elizabeth Road, Blandford Leisure Centre in Milldown Road, the Blandford Connect Day Centre and the Central Shop in Heddington Drive, the Brewery Visitor Centre, Lidl in Higher Shaftesbury Lane, and Tesco and Homebase at Stour Park. In the villages: Charlton Marshall Church Rooms and Charlton pub, Marcia’s Market, Clapcotts Farm, Spetisbury, Abbott Garden Centre, Langton Long, True Lovers Knot and St Richard Close bus stop in Tarrant Keyneston, Langton Arms in Tarrant Monkton, Anvil and Farquharson pubs in Pimperne, the White Horse Inn at Stourpaine, Iwerne Minster Post Office, Child Okeford Post Office, Shillingstone Garage, Okeford Fitzpaine village shop, Londis Shop & Royal Oak at Milborne St Andrew, The Crown at Winterborne Stickland, Post Office and Surgery, Milton Abbas, and The Cricketers at Shroton.

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Serial troublemaker banned from town A SERIAL offender who has been banned from four Dorset towns after repeated antisocial behaviour causing distress to members of the public has now been banned from Blandford as well. Darren Stuart Amor, 45, was made the subject of a criminal behaviour order in July 2017, which banned him from entering Poole or Weymouth for five years. In November last year he was banned from Wimborne until 2023 after breaching the order and committing offences there, and he is banned from Ferndown until October this year under a five-year ASBO imposed in October 2014. In July, he appeared before magistrates again after taking his campaign of antisocial behaviour to Blandford, and his 2017 criminal behaviour order was amended to ban him from entering the town until November 25, 2023. Amor, who is of no fixed abode, has a record of antisocial behaviour stretching back to 1999, having also previously been repeatedly arrested for criminal damage, assault and drink-driving. He is only allowed in the town when travelling by bus to Shillingstone. When doing so he must not leave the vicinity of the Crown Hotel bus stop when changing buses and must produce a valid ticket if required by a police officer. Inspector Simon Perry, of North

Banned: Darren Amor. Dorset police, said: "Darren Amor has repeatedly been responsible for antisocial behaviour and has caused distress to members of the public and businesses in Blandford. "I am pleased that we have been able to work with our partners, including Dorset Council, to secure the variation on this order." Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for community safety, said: "We tried to work with Mr Amor, but he declined all support. Our priority is to protect residents, which is why we have taken this action, and I am pleased that we have succeeded."

September 2019

A for achievement as exam results spark celebrations THE Blandford School has celebrated excellent sixth-form results, including a 32 per cent pass rate with A*-A grades, and 99.5 per cent pass rate with A*-E grades. More than half the students (51 per cent) had A*-B grades and 83 per cent had A*-C grades. Blandford's top A-level performer this year is Darcy Emmet, who is heading to Newnham College, Cambridge, to read natural sciences after achieving A* in three subjects, chemistry, mathematics and further mathematics. Staff are thrilled for Darcy, whose work ethic over the course of her time at TBS has been phenomenal. Other high-fliers include Lauren Stephenson, who achieved A*A A in mathematics, biology and chemistry. She is heading to the prestigious Royal Veterinary College in London to study veterinary science. Ben Smurthwaite achieved A*A B and will read philosophy and theology at Durham University, commencing in September 2020. Top performers on vocational courses include Cameron Guest, Harriet Phipps and Chloe Parsons, who achieved double distinction* in business studies, and Megan North who was awarded distinction* in health and social care. Headteacher Sally Wilson

Cameron Guest (double distinction* in business studies).

expressed her delight for the year 13 students, saying: "Our results this year are very good and I am particularly thrilled at the variety of destinations our students have chosen. "A real strength of the school is the broad and balanced curriculum we have from the point of TBS top achievers Darcy Emmet (left) and Lauren Stephenson.

Year 13 Students Ellen Wyldes (left) and Sophie Hollings (right) with their results.

entry in Year 7 through to Year 13. In addition to this, sixth-form students take part in a variety of enhanced curriculum activities which include university summer schools, work placements and work shadowing; without a doubt this opens numerous doors for students. "This year we have one Year 13 student who is embarking on a Higher Apprenticeship with Lloyds Bank, and another commencing a nursing apprenticeship with the NHS. Students will be studying a range of subjects at university, including degrees in fine art, illustration, audio and music technology, sports sciences, primary education, business studies, criminology, nursing, physiotherapy, architecture, musical theatre and history."

Former TBS head boy Ben Knight.

September 2019

Steve aims high at charity fun day

Arts element boost for free festival

GORCOMBE Charity Day, which took place at Gorcombe Extreme Sports just outside Blandford, involved a series of challenges to teams to crawl, run, climb, swing, balance and jump to raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare. The day is held in memory of Sophie Spicer, who died from cancer in 2016. Her cousin Phill Meaden, owner of Gorcombe Extreme Sports, started the event to commemorate her life and raise money for the charity. Mr Meaden said: "I would personally like to thank all our sponsors for their generosity, all the teams for their effort - and some great fancy dress themes - as well as the whole team from Gorcombe and the Weldmar helpers, whose dedication made the event run so enjoyably. It wouldn't be the same event without everyone's support." Fiona Hansford, business development fundraiser at Weldmar Hospicecare, added her thanks, saying: "We depend heavily on the support of the local community to be able to deliver our vital

FREE Expression arts festival returns to Blandford over the weekend of September 14 and 15 with plenty for all the community, helped this year with a public vote in the Tesco Bags of Help scheme and by Blandford Town Council. A new addition to the programme is an art exhibition 'Young Blood New Blood' on both days in the Parish Centre from 10am to 4pm, where festival director Kate Seeger has teamed up with Guggleton Farm Arts to offer a prize to the most promising artist, including the opportunity to exhibit with Guggleton Farm Arts and help with marketing the winner's work. The deadline is September 9, so there is still time to enter by emailing freeexpressioncreative@gmail.com. On the Sunday only in the town centre and Bere's Yard, again from 10am to 4pm, the Dorset Arts Fair and arts festival will feature a variety of workshops and activities. • Tickets are now on sale for the return visit of the Russian a capella group Voskresenije to Blandford parish church on Thursday October 10 at 7.30pm. They are available price £10 on 01258 452506 or from b-c-p.co.uk.

services and couldn't continue without this kind of support." The event was supported by brewery firm Hall & Woodhouse, who donated a sizeable prize in the form of the height in Badger Beer to the tallest member of the winning team of the 'Best Fancy Dress Costumes' award, who was 6 feet 7 inch Steve Crane. Lucinda Gray, Hall & Woodhouse's company relationship manager, said: "We are always keen to support worthy causes and champion initiatives in our heartland. Hall & Woodhouse is part of the Blandford community and it is only right that we contribute to the fantastic events that take place on our doorstep. "The Gorcombe Charity Day is fantastic for all involved, so we wanted to donate a fun prize that was well worth winning."

Gorcombe Charity Day beer winner Steve Crane.

HEALTH and safety concerns have prompted town councillors to agree that, once the staircase is erected to the top of the former railway flood arches on Langton Meadows following their restoration, the green palisade fencing to prevent unauthorised access should be moved out and retained. Other possible options will be considered in further consultation with the health & safety advisor. The Town Clerk was asked to confirm what funding it had given towards the £46,951 cost of the current project being funded largely by the NDLAG Leader scheme, and said £1,130 had been contributed, including £600 committed several years ago to an information board which had not previously been spent. Around £18,000 has been spent by the town council on the structure in the past.

Countdown to the Carnival • From Page 1 by email to blandford.carnival @talktalk.net. There is no charge to enter, and prize money is available for the first three in each class.

Assembly for walking and float entries is from 5pm in Holland Way on Saturday September 7, and the procession will move off at 7.15pm, following the usual route into the Market Place. The build-up to Carnival Day began with the selection of this year's carnival royalty, who will take pride of place in the procession, and who were chosen by judges from Gillingham Carnival at a selection night in the British Legion. Charmia Fowler is the 2019 Junior Carnival Princess with attendants Rhianna Martin and Lara Miller, all aged ten. Charmia and Lara are both pupils at Milldown Primary, and Rhianna is at Blandford St Mary. Lauren Gulbins, aged 15 and a student at The Blandford School, was chosen as 2019 Miss Blandford Carnival, and new for

this year is Glamorous Granny, Jackie Vacher of Pimperne. The popular 'Spot the Oddity' in shop windows competition ran from August 10 to 27, and the monthly Wednesday bingo on August 21 will be followed on September 4 by the arrival of the funfair and the Grand Carnival Bingo in the Corn Exchange; doors open 6.30pm for eyes down 7.30pm. The Carnival Day baby show is again being sponsored by Ragtags, where entry forms are now available costing £3.50. The show will be held in the Corn Exchange on Carnival Day morning, when doors open at 10.30am for registration of entries from within a 10-mile radius of Blandford in four age groups up to 24 months. Judging starts at 11.15, followed by the presentation of donations to local good causes.

September 2019

Hospital found ‘inadequate’ and placed in special measures THE Priory Hospital in Heddington Drive, Blandford, has been found inadequate in almost all areas and been placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission. It comes as a sharp contrast to the glowing Ofsted report on the education provided for young patients at the Priory. It has been given six months to make improvements before another inspection, and NHS England has suspended admissions until further notice. Children being cared for at the hospital told inspectors they did not feel safe on the wards. Inspectors also raised concerns that staff at the hospital - for children and young people with learning disabilities and mental health issues did not have the experience and skills to manage their complex needs. In response to the CQC findings, a spokesman for the hospital, which is managed by Partnerships in Care, said: "We set up this service in August 2018 to help NHS commissioners find a solution to the national shortage of appropriate beds for this incredibly complex patient group. "We have invested significant amounts of capital to make the unit fit for purpose and have

incurred significant start-up costs to ensure we could meet what was a demanding timetable for opening the service. "Despite considerable investment of time and resource in the site both before and after opening and significant efforts to recruit permanent staff, as yet we have not been able to attract sufficient suitably qualified registered nurses and care staff with the required skills and expertise to meet the needs of this very challenging patient group. That is well known to both commissioners and regulators. "Whilst we take the CQC report extremely seriously and will strive to make immediate changes to the service, the findings are, in fact, a sad reflection - and yet more evidence - of a deeper underlying structural problem, namely the national shortage of appropriately skilled registered nurses and care staff in the UK. "This problem becomes particularly acute where sites are in more rural locations and service users require very high levels of specialist input and care on a round-the-clock basis. "In light of the CQC findings, we will carry out a full review of the service and assess what changes can be made to compensate for the real challenges we are facing in relation to the

New owner for Amberley AMBERLEY Adhesive Labels, based off Shaftesbury Lane, Blandford, has been acquired by Austrian packaging giant Coveris as part of an ongoing programme of expansion and modernisation. The deal was completed on July 31 when Coveris, which employs 4,500 people across 24 sites in Europe, Asia and Africa, acquired 100 per cent of the shares in Amberley, which has a £6.5m turnover and employs 62 staff. Coveris will use Amberley's capabilities, including extensive digital print facilities serving the personal care and home markets, to further expand its Labels & Board business, which has five UK facilities. Amberley will retain its branding and operate as part of the Coveris group due to its brand 'credibility', with no changes to the staffing. Trevor Smith remains managing director.

Electric car charger installed THE installation by Morrisons of electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) in their part of the Marsh & Ham car park has been welcomed by town councillors, who were also pleased to hear that Dorset Council is exploring the possibility of installing further EVCPs in both the Marsh & Ham and Langton Road car parks. They agreed to monitor the usage of those before considering proceeding with any installations on town council-owned sites such as Larksmead recreation ground, where the cost of installation has been estimated as nearly £9,000. Weldmar Hospicecare have launched their first 'Make a will month', taking place this October, where people can take advantage of a free will-writing service with a number of local solicitors. It coincides with the launch of a campaign by the charity to get more people to consider leaving a gift in their will and an appeal for more general donations to contribute to the care of patients needing end-of-life care at a time when demand on services is predicted to increase by 25% over the next five years. To find out which solicitors are offering the service and more about donating to the charity, see weld-hospice.co.uk.

recruitment of appropriately skilled staff." Partnerships in Care Ltd provide services at nearly 40 establishments across the country, seven of which show as requiring improvement, and two, including Blandford, as inadequate. The majority are good, and two are outstanding. Since the CQC inspection at Blandford in May, concerns continued to be raised by neighbours of the hospital about the conduct and parking of hospital staff and the way the patients are treated. The spokesman went on to say that all issues raised with them were investigated, and they were always willing to meet local representatives to discuss any concerns. "The young people at the hospital have mental illness and learning difficulties. We encourage use of secure outdoor areas in the summer, but we take any concerns about noise seriously and ongoing work is being done to help mitigate issues raised with us. "We assist visitors with parking on site and urge staff to use the hospital car park wherever possible, and park with consideration to others. Staff are able to use a staff room during breaks, and we are looking into what further facilities may be helpful."

September 2019

Raise a glass: quality audit gives brewery top marks

Oh No It Isn't producers Tony Horrocks and Sam James with Mayor of Blandford Cllr Lynn Lindsay outside the Corn Exchange, as they cut the ribbon on the next Blandford Pantomime.

Looking for a panto princess AFTER the success of last year's Alice In Cuckoo Land, Blandford Forum Town Council is keen to ensure that the project led by Oh No It Isn't continues to grow each year and benefits the local community. So with a new extended association in place, the team is now able to build a bigger brighter future for this amazing community project, and the team have thanked the town council and all the people making it possible. They have been searching through their Facebook page for a talented young (16+) or youngish lady with stage experience to be their princess for this year's Blandford panto and for people who enjoy being creative with make-up or want experience for further education to become make-up artists.

BREWERY firm Hall & Woodhouse has received the highest possible accreditation from British Retail Consortium Certification, an internationally recognised body for food safety and quality. Following an in-depth audit at the brewery in Blandford, the company received an AA grade accreditation and the auditors raised no areas requiring improvement following their visit. The auditors also praised the brewery for its high standards of hygiene, its advanced systems and the conduct and culture of its team. Toby Heasman, head brewer at Hall & Woodhouse, said: "I am incredibly proud of my team and our brewery for achieving the highest possible accreditation. We work hard to ensure we produce the finest Badger ales and I am pleased to hear this has been acknowledged. "The auditor even told me this is the first time he has carried out an inspection and not raised a single action, which is something that we are very proud of."

They are equally proud that their Dorset Beer Festival at the brewery in June raised ÂŁ11,500 for the local Air Ambulance charities, attracting 1,400 people and bringing to over ÂŁ40,000 the total raised since the festival began in 2013 for charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Blandford Opportunity Group, Alzheimer's Society, Teddy20 and Together for Short Lives. The festival showcased more than 50 beers and ciders and supported local craft breweries and cider makers, as well as the brewer's own Badger beer. Mr Heasman said: "We couldn't have asked for better weather this year and it was fantastic to see families enjoying the entertainments. Our new outdoor kitchen area, which served a variety of flatbread pizzas, was also hugely popular. "A total of 135 volunteers helped make this day such a great success, and we couldn't do it without them. Hall & Woodhouse is committed to growing the festival and we are already looking forward to next year."

IN A bid to build up trade on Blandford's Saturday street market, traders are being offered a 50 per cent discount in return for trading on both Thursday and Saturday.

September 2019

Civic recognition for arch restoration THE completion of the Blandford & District Civic Society's Damory Street enhancement project was celebrated with a moving service of commemoration which followed the order of the dedication of the archway as a memorial almost a century ago. Participants included representatives of the military, the town council, the Royal British Legion, and of The Blandford School, whose head boy and head girl laid

wreaths under the replica plaques as their counterparts had done in 1925. The service was led by the Rector of Blandford, Canon Jonathan Triffitt, and the names of the fallen in World War I were read by Jay Hambro, the great grandson of Major-General Percival Hambro, who had unveiled the memorial at the original dedication service. Guests at the celebration included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant John

Teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research led him to France A FORMER Blandford teacher and had no local family connecattended the unveiling of a tions, or those who for whatever memorial at St Martin-sur-Oreuse reason didn't turn up in census in France to mark the 75th records. anniversary of the loss of seven "I found that I had stumbled upon aircrew from Lancaster JB701 a very niche area of research. As aircraft from 49 Squadron RAF far as any local societies were which was shot down by enemy concerned the fighter aircraft near interest stopped at Sens, 120km south Blandford, so the of Paris, on July existing research 29, 1944. painted an utterly One of them was different picture Bomb Aimer Flying about the men's Officer Albert background from Stanley Cole, who the one I found. was 21 when he "Discovering family was killed, and details of the WW2 whose address was casualties has recorded as in proved more diffiHastings, Sussex. cult than WW1 But his name because of the lack appears on the of census data. It is memorial plaque only by finding now situated at The extended family Blandford School members that anyand on the recently thing other than a The memorial at St Martin-surrestored former bare story can be Oreuse school entrance in discovered." Damory Street. A few days before travelling to Niall Stoddart, who has spent the France, he appealed on the TV last seven years researching the programme South Today for inforhistory of pupils and staff of mation about Albert Cole. Blandford Secondary and "While I have contributed items to Grammar School who fought and Forum Focus, nothing else has died in two World Wars, said: "My happened in the media. My interest stems from going to work working site is at blandfordat the school and innocently askschoolsmemorial.co.uk and I ing who the men on the War tweet about each new page I Memorial were. No-one knew. upload but the main engagement "An attempt at putting names to seems to be via Facebook. them had been made some years "Until January this year I had before but was very patchy and identified 38 of the 39 names, didn't include any of the men who then finally the last one came in travelled into town from the outlyafter years of effort. I have yet to ing villages, nor the privately write the page on Albert Cole and arranged evacuees in WW2, the anything I can get from his wider teachers who had moved away family would be very welcome."

Canon Jonathan Triffitt introduces the ceremony with (left to right) Jay and Pete Hambro, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant John Young, Town Councillor Roger Carter and Town Clerk Linda Scott-Giles and Chief Constable of Dorset James Vaughan, Rose Platts and Mansoon Tamang, head girl and head boy of The Blandford School. Young, former pupils of Blandford Grammar School, which once stood on the site, and representatives of the Blandford 14-18 Commemoration Group, Blandford Masonic Lodge and Shovehapenny League, which have contributed to the costs. The main funding of over ÂŁ15,000 came from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The project has included the restoration of the historic school archway and erection of informa-

tion boards detailing the history of the school and the neighbouring former burial ground. Civic Society chairman Terence Dear said its completion was the "end of the beginning" of its hopes of enhancing a corner of Blandford which had deteriorated over the years, including the burial ground which was used for nearly 50 years in the first half of the 19th century and remained in use after the municipal cemetery in Salisbury Road was opened in the 1850s.

September 2019

Doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; memorial tree

A CHERRY blossom tree has been planted to replace a horse chestnut which was felled earlier this year when it became diseased in the garden at the Langton Road crossroads. The chestnut was planted for the people of Blandford in October 1994 by Dr David Davies (1922-1995), former town Mayor, and his wife Dr Joan Davies (1924-2012), who lived in The Old Bank House in the town centre. In 2013 the garden was dedicated to their memory by the Town Council for their commitment to the town and the people of Blandford. Its replacement was selected by their daughters, Dr Jane Davies and Jenny Tory, who were joined by Mrs Tory's grandchildren, Matthew and Annabel at the unveiling of the new tree and updated plaque, by the Mayor of Blandford, Cllr Lynn Lindsay.

Council under fire over caravan site permission bungle NEWS that permission had been given for a caravan site for 1,500 caravans opposite the Great Dorset Steam Fair on the A354 caused consternation in Tarrant Hinton at the end of July. Parish council chairman Mike Nathan and clerk Hilary Fildes learned from the steam fair organisers of the application which had been made, and apparently approved, for the site which would have had no planning permission or licence, and had not been mentioned at the parish liaison meeting a week earlier. Mr Nathan said: "It beggars belief that none of them saw fit to contact either us or GDSF, nor did they appear aware of the detailed proposals for the steam fair already approved. Not one of the individuals who know about the GDSF were made aware. "It appears that the application was taken at face value, with no checks on the accuracy of information supplied or on the experience and ability of the team involved to provide a caravan site. "This highlights the worries that we, as a parish council, have raised that the unification and reorganisation of the Dorset councils would produce a remote authority whose right and left hand would not be co-ordinated. "We were told this would not happen with the reorganisation but

that's exactly what we find ourselves dealing with. It should be the responsibility of our elected councillors to monitor decisions taken under delegated authority." It appears that officers at County Hall had given permission on a trial basis but had not consulted with the fair organisers or the usual authority representatives involved in preparing for the event. The steam fair sought legal advice, and its managing director Martin Oliver said: "Great Dorset Steam Fair was concerned to learn that Dorset Council was considering allowing an unauthorised caravan site to be established on the opposite side of the A354 from the steam fair site for the duration of the 2019 event. "The possibility of establishing such a site had been previously considered but ruled out because of the obvious danger to pedestrians and other road users. "We sought legal advice as we understood that the proposed site did not have the requisite planning consents or licences and are pleased to note that the council have listened to our concerns and to those of the parish council and the police, and will not now give permission for the unauthorised site." Dorset Council subsequently confirmed that permission had been given, but withdrawn, and the applicant had accepted the decision.

COUNCILLORS have agreed to spend up to ÂŁ7,880 on a historic condition survey of Blandford Corn Exchange in response to a request from the architect working on the next phase of its refurbishment. The final amount was delegated to the chairman and vice-chairman of the Corn Exchange working group, the Town Clerk and operations manager once all the quotations have been received.

September 2019

Giant insects bring a buzz to the town A PERFORMANCE in the Market Place on August 4, developed in a four-day summer school and workshop by Activate Performing Arts groups, Remix and Premix, previewed the production at the end of August of 'The Borrowers' in the Corn Exchange. The integrated youth performance companies for young people aged seven to 19, many with physical disabilities, sensory impairments or learning difficulties, had created through puppet making, movement, storytelling and music a showcase performance of 'The Little People', based on the popular Mary Norton tale. They were joined by the cast of 'The Borrowers', who brought with them props including a giant wasp, red admiral butterfly and half of a giant pair of scissors developed for the show. A crowd gathered to watch the story unfold, as seeds planted

and watered to grow were then watered further in a storm and grew into child-sized blooms which were visited by a giant multi-coloured dragonfly and bee. The performance concluded with a flash mob in which the young performers were joined by members of a local Zumba group. Cast members of 'The Borrowers' also appeared at Blandford Library on two days in August, and on August 23 there was a Blandford Museum workshop with artist Peter Rush at which Borrower families were created to take up residence among the exhibits in the museum - including its very own Clock family. The community theatre event was organised by Kissing My Elbow Productions with the support of Forum Drama, Blandford Forum Town Council, the Dorset Rural Music School and Blandford Forum Parish Church.

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Some of the big people who played the little people in The Borrowers.

The flash mob finale with members of a local Zumba group.

September 2019

Now roadworks focus on roundabouts MAIN road closures around Blandford will be continuing in early September, this time at three busy roundabouts on the Blandford bypass which will be closed in succession at night for surfacing works. Starting on Monday September 2 for six nights, north-south A350 traffic will be diverted through Blandford town centre from 9pm to 6am the following morning. Southbound traffic will be signed on to White Cliff Mill Hill and northbound drivers to Bournemouth Road at the Badger roundabout. Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways travel and environment, said: "It's unavoidable that there will be some delays and disruption for drivers during these works but, by doing the surfacing overnight, we hope

to keep it to a minimum. We've also tried to keep as much access open as safely possible to help local drivers." On each night there will be no access into or out of the town centre at the roundabout being worked on, but on Monday September 2 and Thursday September 5, when the Sunrise roundabout will be surfaced, drivers on the A354 Salisbury Road and B3082 Wimborne Road will be able to access and exit the bypass but will need to travel through the town to continue north towards Shaftesbury. More delays than usual can be expected on the C13 which will have restricted access, with traffic controlled with two-way lights. On Tuesday September 3 and Friday September 6, Hilltop roundabout will be sur-

faced, and the bypass will be closed between the C13 Higher Shaftesbury Road and A354 Salisbury Road. Drivers using A354 will be controlled using two-way lights and will only be able to travel south using the bypass. Drivers wishing to use the C13 will only be able to access the road from the west. On Wednesday September 4 and Monday September 9, Wimborne roundabout will be surfaced and the bypass closed between B3082 Wimborne Road and A354 Salisbury Road. Access onto the B3082 will only be from the south and controlled with two-way temporary lights, and drivers using Salisbury Road will only be able to continue north on the bypass.

Village house damaged in trailer collision ROADWORKS continued when work on the A350 between Steepleton Bends and Iwerne Minster led to daytime closures and diversions from 9am to 4pm but was due to be completed on August 13. A house on Duck Street in Child Okeford was badly damaged when it was struck by a trailer being pulled by a tractor, creating

a large hole in the wall. The vehicle was left in place overnight as it was feared any further movement would cause the building to collapse. Traffic was jammed on the C13 when a giant Royal Mail delivery vehicle came face to face with a van at Melbury Abbas. Single-lane traffic continued during August on the A357 north of

Durweston bridge where at the beginning of the month 66 tonnes of concrete was poured in to complete the downstream parapet bases and vehicle restraint system (VRS) supports of the causeway. Work then started on the upstream parapet foundations and VRS supports, and to strengthen the kerb line, reinstate

the verges and begin site clearance. The metal parapet system was due to be installed by a specialist contractor towards the end of August. Repairs to the Blandford road bridge in West Street, resulting in two signals which started on July 22, were due to be completed by the end of August.

Members of Blandford Scout Group took part in this year's 'Bourne Free' parade in Bournemouth.

A special invitation NOMINATIONS are being sought through a public campaign 'Making Blandford Special' for community groups, businesses and residents' groups to become part of the Blandford Conversation and give their views on the priorities for the town and surrounding area. A celebration of their contributions, identifying challenges faced and to find solutions by working together, will be held on Saturday October 19 at the Sealy Suite of the Crown Hotel. The partnership initiative is supported by Hall & Woodhouse, Dorset Council, Skills & Learning, Noc's Box, Faithworks Wessex & Blandford Foodbank. Deadline for nominations is Friday September 20. To nominate, pick up a form from numerous locations around Blandford including shops, cafĂŠs, GP surgeries and the library, or download one from faithworkswessex.org.uk/projects/foodbank/blandford.

September 2019

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Supernanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; turns 106 NAN Dennett, of Blandford St Mary, celebrated her 106th birthday over the last weekend of July with two parties a family lunch on the Saturday followed by a tea party in a beautifully decorated Sealy Suite of the Crown Hotel with family and friends on the Sunday. There she and her guests, who included Mayor of Blandford Lynn Lindsay, enjoyed guessing games, a raffle, singing and dancing from Christina Jeavons and her son Beric of Sturminster Newton, cartoon illustrations by Paul Tyler of Christchurch, and a scrumptious tea - not forgetting the birthday cake! Supernan Mrs Dennett, originally from Lancaster, moved to Dorset with her Dorset-born husband Ivor, whom she met while serving with the WRVS in Lancashire during the Second World War. She worked in local shops and at Clayesmore School before her retirement, and then with Help the Aged as a volunteer until she was 94. She still lives independently, cooking for herself and doing a little light housework, and still loves to play bingo.

Red Lion recorded

Nan Dennett on her 106th birthday with her daughters Jenny Chick and Sandra Park and Mayor of Blandford Lynn Lindsay.

BLANDFORD'S Red Lion Yard is featured in the title of a track on the first solo release of guitarist Chris Todd, front man for the last ten years with one of Ireland's premier electric blues trios, The HardChargers. The band released their first album, Scarecrow, in 2018 when they toured England and played at a number of arts centres in Ireland. Chris said 'Red Lion Yard' was written in the cab of his little white van while living in a car park in Blandford during a week of homelessness in England in early 2017. "Although temporary, it was a profound experience that served as a resetting of my compasses," he said. The EP 'Dark Horses' recalls a period at the end of that year and features two acoustic songs he wrote at that time with two classics from the vintage blues canon, Shake 'Em On Down from 1939 and Lonesome Dog Blues of 1949.

September 2019

Some of the award winners at Child Okeford with Eileen Shaw, front left. To her right Christine Downer, Wendy Abley, Albie Jones, and back row from the left Jan Ward, Tony Ward, Tricia Samuel and Roger Hull.

Another good turnout for gardenersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; show CHILD Okeford village hall was bustling with activity when the village Gardeners' Club held its 42nd annual show, with exhibits in nearly 70 classes. Entries were a little down on last year, and chairman Ann Pearce said the weather had certainly been challenging, but welcomed Eileen Shaw, proprietor of the village stores and an "unsung village hero", as judge of the best individual exhibit and presenter of awards. Mrs Shaw's choice of a pot plant exhibited by Christine Downer in the flower section was announced in Oscar-style fashion at the end of the prizegiving of over a dozen cups and awards. They included the Grenfell Medal for show committee member Roger Hull, who had the highest number of points in vegetables, fruit and flowers, and the best vegetable in the show. He said: "We try to make our show innovative, and new to the photographic section this year was a class for video clips. We

also changed the children's classes to give them their own section in two age groups, but sadly only the younger age group was represented." The winner was Albie Jones, and the video class was won by Tony Ward. Other award winners were Tricia Samuel (best fruit), Wendy Abley (best baking and preserves entry, best craft entry and best unconventional or amusing vegetable or fruit) and Jan Ward (best in flowers, best rose and best photograph). â&#x20AC;˘ Shillingstone's biennial flower and produce show attracted a record number of entries in categories which included roses, sweet peas, annual flowers, flower arrangements, vegetables, produce, handicrafts and photography. Club chairman Tim Kennard presented the awards, which included the Challenge Cup for the overall winner Jenny Coote, and the RHS Banksian Medal for the best entries of flowers, fruit and vegetables to Derek Gwynne.

Green Flag success BLANDFORD'S Milldown and Stour Meadows are among a record number of parks and green spaces across the Dorset Council area to have this year been awarded a Green Flag, representing the mark of a quality park or green space. The international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities. Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "In Dorset Council's first year, it is wonderful to have so many Green Flag awards. They are so well deserved and the parks and green spaces themselves are wonderful places to discover." Giles Nicholson, Dorset Council's green space manager said: "We're really proud of our parks, picnic sites and green spaces and we know how much they matter to residents and visitors. The awards reflect the dedication of our ranger teams, volunteers and apprentices."

September 2019

Fayre proceeds handed back to the community PROCEEDS from this year's successful Blandford Georgian Fayre have been distributed to the many organisations in the town which helped stage the May Bank Holiday event. Chairman Colin Stevens said: "It cost us around ÂŁ9,000 to put on the fair and we are now giving back about the same amount to our community." He thanked all their sponsors, including main sponsor Hall & Woodhouse, who hosted the presentation evening in the Brewery Visitor Centre, the eight strong committee, and particularly Arthur Bush who has compered every fayre since it began. Mayor of Blandford Lynn Lindsay, who presented the awards, said: "All the recipients are going to be very, very grateful to the totally dedicated small committee which has organised the fayre over the last 27 years."

The majority of the cheques presented went to 17 youth and adult groups and individuals who provided entertainment and helped on the day. But two, for ÂŁ1,000 and ÂŁ250 respectively, went to nominated charities the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and Blandford Age Concern in support of their work for the sick and the elderly. Due to the change of bank holiday date in May 2020 for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of VE Day, there will be no Georgian Fayre on the first Monday of May, but instead a smaller event as part of the overall anniversary. Fayre organisers have already taken steps to book some of the facilities which will be needed, including the funfair for the week, and a town working group has been set up to make preparations for the celebration weekend.

The Blandford Masons march to their 150th anniversary celebration.

Masonic landmarks BLANDFORD's two Masonic lodges, which meet in the Masonic Hall in West Street, both had anniversaries to celebrate in July. The Mother Lodge of Honour and Friendship No 126, founded in 1869, on July 17 marched from the hall for a meeting conducted by the Provincial Grand Master in the Corn Exchange where its first meeting was held 150 years ago. After initiating a new member and honouring past and founder members, they returned to the hall for an anniversary meal. Among the 83 in attendance were 52 visitors from other lodges sharing in the celebration. Two weeks later, on August 1, the Bleckly Clarke Lodge No

8290, founded 100 years later, celebrated its 50th year with a gathering at West Street at which its 100th member since consecration was initiated. A 'Loving Cup' presented in memory of its founder, past provincial grand master of Dorset Dr Bleckly Clarke, was shared between past provincial grand masters present, and new artefacts made by members were contributed to mark the anniversary, including an oak working tools cabinet, a set of refurbished working tools and four handmade 'Quiet' gavels. Once again more visitors than Lodge members were present, including those from the current lodges of former members who have now moved to other areas.

Representatives of groups sharing the proceeds of this year's Blandford Georgian Fayre with, second from left, Mayor of Blandford Lynn Lindsay.

Digital champions on standby SUPERFAST Dorset has recruited more Digital Champions to offer help with computers, tablets, smartphones and getting online. A network of 70 volunteers run free, one-to-one computer help sessions in libraries and other venues across the county and can help with everything from using the internet safely, to managing email and digital pictures. So far they have supported over 1,339 people. Research shows that there are still around 150,000 Dorset adults needing help with digital skills and 70,000 are offline completely. Sessions are being held at Blandford Library every fourth Monday between 4 and 6pm. For details call 01258 452075 or for details of other sessions call 01305 221048 to be matched with a volunteer in your area.

New singers sought for classical choir BRYANSTON Choral Society is an adult classical choir linked with Bryanston School which practises one evening a week during school term-time and performs two concerts a year, one just before Christmas and one in the spring. Dating back to the Musical Association formed in 1932 at Bryanston School shortly after it opened, and traditionally conducted by the school's head and deputy head of music, it is ONLY one proposal was received by Blandford Town Council in response to an appeal for artists to put forward suggestions for a work of public art to be created for the Badbury Height (Persimmon) estate in accordance with a condition of the planning approval for the development. Artist Tim Ward is now researching the history of the town so that an appropriate theme can be incorporated into the design.

appealing for new members to join its ranks. Chairman Sally Clarke said: "Our choral society is a friendly group of people who enjoy making music together. Research has shown that singing has a real health benefit: it also has a feelgood factor and is a great way to meet new people. "We are particularly keen to recruit younger members in order to sustain the choir and help it grow, and are holding an open rehearsal at Blandford Parish Church on Tuesday September 24 at 7.30pm. "Anyone of any age is invited to come along and give us a try. Our repertoire is mainly classical, but we would like to encourage those who sing for pleasure to take the next step in their musical journey." For more information, write to Bryanston Choral Society, Bryanston School, Blandford DT11 0PX, email info@bryanstonchoralsociety.co.uk or visit bryanstonchoralsociety.co.uk.

September 2019

Cocktail hour for WI THE Summer Social this year for members of Blandford Evening WI was held at the smart new premises of the Ginger Viking Cocktail Bar in East Street, Blandford. Back in February, Alex Young, the Ginger Viking, gave the WI group comprehensive tuition on how to mix a good cocktail. The members enjoyed the lesson and cocktails so much that they issued Alex a challenge: to design for them their very own WI Cocktail. So 17 members plus one guest arrived for the unveiling of this daring delight - a new cocktail consisting of a base spirit of Tequila with banana liqueur, lime juice, egg and white chocolate, all blended to resemble the taste of a cake because, as the host said, that is what Blandford Evening WI is famous in the town for - lovely cakes! The name of this creation is Cake Mix, with which Alex has already had success, gaining third place in a recent competition. After the unveiling, the ladies moved on to sampling the other mocktails (non-alcoholic) and cocktails on the menu.

September 2019

Newcomer Malcolm scoops dahlia prize BLANDFORD Horticultural Society's 32nd annual flower and vegetable show was staged at the Anne Biddlecombe Hall in Tarrant Keyneston on August 10, where floral exhibitors were relieved that the high winds had arrived after they had prepared their entries. The society was pleased to welcome a new exhibitor, Malcolm Fowler, who took the top prize for best exhibit in the dahlia section to win the Cyril Hovard Memorial Trophy with a magnificent vase of ten mixed stems. Dave Miles and Alan Newman had highest points in the vegetable and flower classes respectively. Mr Miles also won the Garden News Top Tray class, the Blue Ribbon for a pair of cucumbers as best exhibit, the well supported Housewife's Choice class and the Great Potato Challenge with 7lbs 13 oz of potatoes from

a single tuber. Mr Newman won the Garden News Top Vase and Treasurer's Bowl for highest points in all classes and was judged to have the best exhibit in the gladioli classes. Pete Eveleigh was awarded the Banksian Medal for most points in vegetable and flower classes, the winners in two previous years being precluded from winning this year, and also had most points in photography. The Floral Art section was won by Rachel Eveleigh with her best exhibit an arrangement representing the seaside, and Sue Billington had highest points and best exhibit in the cookery and preserves classes with her 'afternoon tea for four'. Rosemary Howland had best exhibit in wine and Ellen Brown the best exhibit in handicrafts with a beautifully knitted pair of socks.

Malcolm Fowler with his winning vase of dahlias.

Dave Miles with his entry in the 'Housewife's Choice' class.

Thrift pays off for charities THE Thrift Shop on Blandford Camp has made donations to two local charities £500 to Blandford Food Bank, and £500 to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. John Bizzell accepted the donation on behalf of Air Ambulance, and Phyllis Williams and Liz Evans accepted the donation for the Food Bank. Blandford Camp Commandant, Colonel Mike Morton, attended the presentation. The shop is run

Liz Evans and Phyllis Williams of the Food Bank, with Col Mike Morton, and Thrift Shop representatives Jean Peck, Jenny Wise, Janet White and Jenny Robinson. entirely by volunteers for the benefit of the Blandford Camp community. Customers can bring in items for sale and if sold, they keep 80 per cent of the selling price, the shop keeping 20 per cent, which is regularly donated to local good causes. Since 2015 it has totalled over £9,000.

BLANDFORD Parish Church Christmas tree festival is a hugely enjoyable part of the festive celebrations, filling the church with a forest of beautifully decorated trees for visitors to enjoy. Each tree is decorated by a different community group and last year the event attracted more than 1,000 visitors. Decorating a tree provides an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness of the work of the group or organisation in the town. If your group hasn't taken part before and would be interested in entering a tree in this year's festival, email Pippa Rossiter at pipparossiter@sky.com or the Church office at office@bfpc.org.uk for further details. Entries will close on October 31.

Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; letters

Ridiculous to dump the humps IF T. Mason (August issue letters) wanted to solicit a response to their letter, then as a pedestrian who parks on the outskirts of town it has succeeded. One of the things I like about Blandford town centre is the courtesy of the majority of vehicle drivers in allowing pedestrians to cross from one side of the road to the other. I didn't realise that the main purpose of East Street to West Street was to allow vehicles to proceed through the town as quickly as possible, ignoring pedestrians! As the speed humps are designed to allow vehicle flow at up to 20mph and are in a 20mph restricted area, then they don't need to be removed. I find the comments about the removal of signs and the suggestions ridiculous; charity shops generate income for some well-deserving causes. I realise that living in a village there possibly is a lack of facilities, but towns have larger footfalls and I have never seen a town without eating establishments. In fact, two of ours have over the years received praise from national newspapers. As for how to reduce pollution, if possible try to park on the outskirts of town, especially in the periods that town traffic gets busy

September 2019 Please write to Forum Focus if there is something you'd like to comment on or share with other readers. Email your letter, which should be as brief as possible, to: editor@forumfocus.co.uk. Alternatively, you can call 01258 459346 or deliver your letter to: Forum Focus, c/o Colin's

With regard to the bypass I suggest he or she uses it. Unfortunately every time I see a vehicle driver trying to get through town in haste I will think they may possibly come from Farnham - although I suspect it only applies to one person. Mike Spencer Eastleaze Road, Blandford

Ghost town warning I HAVE just read with interest T. Mason's solution to the air pollution in Blandford. It seems to me that he would like to do away with all pedestrians. If there are no crossings, traffic will be able to speed through Blandford unhindered, making it unsafe for all but the motorist. As for the speed bumps he was obviously not at the public meeting about the enhancement of Blandford with Dorset councillors, who told us that we could safely cross on the speed bumps. If you look at the end of each bump there are the places that indicate to people it is safe to cross there. The crossing in Salisbury Street was a hard-fought battle by the Association for the Blind, as at the time we had and still have people who cannot safely cross the road. As for removing all signs into Blandford and closing all charity shops (a sign of the times) and cafĂŠs, we will end up with a ghost town.

Community Club, 49 Damory Street, Blandford DT11 7HD. Please mark your letter 'for publication' and remember to include your address, which will not be used in full. Forum Focus reserves the right to shorten or edit letters in the interests of clarity, brevity and style.

I have a much simpler solution. Instead of sitting in your car with the engine ticking over, switch it off - or come in on a bicycle. H L Warrington

The clueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the Code IN response to T Mason's letter perhaps he should revisit the Highway Code and learn what the white dotted lines at these crossings mean - give way. Hence pedestrians use them rather than crossing anywhere. Name & address supplied. IN response to T. Mason, where he or she says 'The pollution comes from the constant stopstart of traffic along East Street to West Street where unthinking pedestrians assume the speed humps are pedestrian crossings'. T. Mason is clearly not a motorist or they would know that parallel double-dashed lines in front of each hump means 'give way' - as they do at road junctions. Cars have to give way to pedestrians, so they 'are' pedestrian crossings. Colin Morris Eastleaze Road, Blandford

Green plea to planners AS someone who works both as a surveyor and someone involved in new-build developments, I am very surprised by the lack of thought by both planning departments and councils when planning is granted for new residential developments. Targets have been set by government for the increase in electric vehicles over the next few years. To expect the whole population to adopt them in that timescale is unrealistic, although opportunities do exist but are being ignored. I have visited many new residential developments over the last few months with many in early stages of build. None of them have charging points within the development for residents to charge a vehicle. Many aimed at either people

downsizing or those getting further up the property ladder do not have driveways alongside the new homes, but scattered parking throughout the development. People downsizing with quite new privately owned cars and those moving up the property ladder with company cars should be moving on to electric vehicles to get the figures government is seeking. New homes should also be sourcing power by solar-generated means. House builders today use the latest technology and materials for building, insulating and fitting out their new homes, but planning departments and councils, the people who most house builders would bend over backwards for to get planning approved, do not use their powers to get environmentally friendly homes for the future. Come on, planners and councils, do your bit for the environment and stipulate that all new-build properties have electric vehicle charging points and rely upon some form of solar power. You are the people who can improve the environment. Nicholas Smith I WOULD like to say a big thank you to everyone that helped and attended our 'Tea on the Lawn' in the Corn Exchange in Blandford on Sunday July 21. Many thanks to Mr King from Pimperne for helping us with the sound, everyone who gave their time with playing music for us, all of the committee that helped run it, the ladies that made the scones for us and the guides that helped with waiting on the tables. I could not have done it without you. Thank you to the family of our beloved Karen who came and supported us. Please accept this as a personal thank you. I have booked the Corn Exchange to do it again next year on Sunday July 19. We are hoping to do this every year on the nearest Sunday to July 21, which was the date of Karen's passing. Karen had had the idea of this and had had some ideas of what she wanted so I wanted to continue with it in her memory and insisted that we kept the name that she had chosen, 'Tea on the Lawn'. Carolyn Carter, Chairman DAG (Disability Action Group)

September 2019

Letters extra

Our aim is to protect the town YOUR correspondent, T. Mason of Farnham, makes some interesting points which I'm pleased to respond to on behalf of the Town Team. We are a community-focused group of volunteers who feel strongly about the need to support the town centre and halt the decline affecting so many town centres. The Town Team is a Community Interest Company set up to promote Blandford town and the local area for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Information about the town, what we do and the recent Expression of Interest (EOI) bid for funding to the Historic England High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme can be found at blandfordtown.co.uk. The EOI is a joint proposal supported in principle by Blandford Forum Town Council, Dorset Council and Blandford's Dorset councillors. The plan is to set about restoring the town's historic centre to the vibrant market town it once was. We are blessed with a number of fine independent shops and national stores, but the impact of internet and out-of-town shopping makes it harder even for those offering excellent service to survive. The programme will address this by making the town centre a place people want to visit - and an enjoyable experience - and encourage owners to maintain their properties and bring new business into the town. More people coming into the town to enjoy frequent events of all sorts will benefit the community (families, the young and the old) and the economy. Pedestrianising the market area outside the Corn Exchange is key to improving the experience of the Market Place, providing an area that can host outdoor cafes, more and better markets, concerts and exhibitions. Subject to Dorset Council and Highways approval to proceed, it will help to reduce traffic idling as cars will no longer be turning right to park or reversing out into traffic. It will be up to Highways, with

representation from the Town Council and the community, to decide how best to improve traffic flow, but it would seem sensible to provide two lanes so that traffic can turn left into West Street and right up Salisbury Street simultaneously. Yes, the speed bumps slow things down, but work well (motorists and pedestrians are invariably polite and thoughtful) and avoid the need for electronic pedestrian crossings. The Blandford + Neighbourhood Plan makes it clear that the mix of shops and accommodation will change over time. I will not comment further on your correspondent's views on removing bypass signage, charity shops and fast food outlets, but I'd be happy to discuss these and the other issues raised with him or her. There will be a joint public announcement when the outcome of the EOI is known, and public events and surveys to engage with the great Blandford Forum public to find out what they think, if it is successful. Nic Nicol Chair, Blandford Town Team

Chemist shop woes continue MAY I thank everyone who took the time and effort to contact me regarding the service provided by Boots the Chemists in Blandford. Having read the emails, I consider the service is currently in a worse state than it was a few years back and that is saying something! Then people found the East Street Boots a haven of effective and efficient dispensing in comparison to the others. No longer, all three Boots shops have been cited as providing inadequate service. As to the nature of what is going wrong well if you can think of it, it happens. Extremely long waiting times to be served in the shops, inadequate stocks held of common medications causing people to return to pick up the prescribed medication or to obtain the full amount, communication between the surgery and the chemist not seemingly being

effective, deliveries not being made and so on. Has anyone else seen the recent notice in the Whitecliff Mill Street surgery saying Boots are now needing five working days to dispense medication? I will be doing what I can but urge everyone affected by this to contact Boots themselves. Between us hopefully the higher management of the company will start to take notice. John Tanner

two volunteers who live in and around Blandford. I am looking to recruit new volunteers from your area and would love to hear from anyone interested. Julie Mackay (01202 453970) Julie.Mackay@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Volunteers required

DO you like to sing? Are you looking for a choir to join? Then look no further! The Briantspuddle Singers are a friendly bunch of like-minded people who enjoy singing together in a relaxed atmosphere. We meet on Tuesday evenings during term time in Briantspuddle Village Hall under the direction of Michael Moorsom and with our superb accompanist Sally Plowright. Our next concert is on November 30 in Blandford Parish Church, when we will perform the Christmas music from Handel's Messiah with some well-known carols for Advent. This will be followed by a concert of Christmas carols in Briantspuddle in December. All new singers are welcome there are no auditions. What is more, we invite you to come to the first two rehearsals in September free of charge, so give it a go and join us in Briantspuddle Village Hall DT2 7HT on September 3 from 7.30 to 9.30 as we start rehearsals. For more information call Jenny 01305 262575 or Andrea 01929 471412 or email jen.preston63@btinternet.com Jenny Preston

AT the Dorset Combined Youth Offending Service we very much believe in rehabilitation. This takes the form of interventions that aim to stop reoffending and repair harm to the victim. Our volunteers take many roles, one such opportunity being the panel member. They help a young person with what you know as community service. Langton Long and St Peter's and St Paul's churches both benefit from this. Frances, local to Blandford, says: "Working with young people is inspirational and fulfilling. You start off thinking that you're going to give something to others, but soon come to realise that it's a two-way street. It's probably the most enriching, satisfying thing I've ever done." Dorset Combined Youth Offending Service are recruiting for appropriate adult volunteers and panel members. Both can be challenging and rewarding roles for compassionate people from the local community. We actually have a manager and

Going for a song

September 2019

Festival provides a treat for opera buffs

The hot air balloons arrived on cue for the picnickers after the concert.

A classic concert setting DECIBELLES, a choir based in St Nicholas Church, Winterborne Kingston, gave a fun, family-friendly concert at Milton Abbey in aid of local charity, Teddy20. The choir performed a selection of songs including music from Moana and an Abba classic, and after the performance, everyone was invited to picnic on the lawn outside the Abbey. The choir's leader, Sarah Pottinger, said: "This was our version of Glyndebourne, except the picnic in the grounds was after the audience had heard us sing!" Owen Newton, founder and chairman of Teddy20, the choir's chosen charity, said: "It's not often you can take your children to a concert in such a grand setting, without worrying that you have to keep taking them outside as they're making too much noise! We're so pleased that Teddy20 will benefit from an uplifting evening." The 30-minute concert was free to attend, but there was a retiring collection.

THE Dorset Opera Festival again brought opera lovers from far and wide to Bryanston. They had the choice of two productions, the first being that of Christopher Cowell's of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, featuring Letitia Vitelaru in the title role with Pauls Putnins ( Raimondo), Brett Polegato (Enrico), David Junghoon Kim (Edgardo) and Jung Soo Un (Arturo). The second was Peter Relton's production of Verdi's Nabucco, featuring Mark S Doss in the title role, with Claire Rutter (Abigaille), Carolyn Dobbin (Fenena), Adriano Graziani (Ismaele) and Andrei Valentiy (Zaccaria) and the famous Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves. They also had an opportunity to see a star-studded Gala Concert,

which celebrated the company's first 15 years at Bryanston under the chairmanship of Alan Frost, who stepped down in July. It was conducted by music director Jeremy Carnall and included popular choruses, arias, overtures and ensembles, featuring emerging artists and guests, with formal four-course dining in one of the staterooms of Bryanston House, picnics from the Little Kitchen Company and champagne and drinks in the marquee. Lucia di Lammermoor was described as featuring a truly rare treat in hearing Lucia's heartbreaking aria, originally written to be accompanied by a glass harmonium which today is swapped for a flute, accompanied by the haunting sound of the real thing, played by Friedrich Heinrich Kern.

Dorset Opera Festival's Nabucco with Claire Rutter as Abigaille. Photo: Fritz Curzon.

Station visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; chance to see work progress A VOLUNTEER recruitment weekend at Shillingstone Station in August gave visitors an opportunity to see track laying in progress and view the work carried out over the summer on tidying up the yard, mending fences, and working on the GW wagon and rubbing down the non-platform side of the carriage ready for painting. A Scammell chassis has been brought back to the station ready to start refurbishment work, and the engine and gearbox have been overhauled, the body repaired, so the rebuild can start in earnest. The weekend coincided with a

family fun day at the Old Ox Inn at Shillingstone, hosted by the landlady Trina Crawford after the village's annual fete had to be cancelled. Organisations taking part in support of the Wessex Neurological Centre at Southampton General Hospital, the chosen charity of Mrs Crawford, were the local WI, village hall and Shillingstone School PTA, with entertainment including games, a tombola, face painting, hoopla, splat the rat, lucky dip, barbecue and other refreshments, and children's karaoke, followed by an open mic night.

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September 2019

Market day through artists’ eyes MARKET day in Blandford has featured in no fewer than three art exhibitions in the town during July and August. The first was a celebration in the Blandford Town Museum of the work of Rena Gardiner (19281999), which continued throughout August. From her cottage in Tarrant Monkton, Rena produced thousands of books and pamphlets from research, through working illustrations, printing, and binding stages. The exhibition highlighted the working practices of the amazing printmaker, with sketches, linoplates, drawings and paintings from a private collection which have never been on display before.

Rena Gardiner at work: Photo: Martin Andrews.

Initially the exhibition featured her work in Dorset, but in August it was changed to show that outside the county, and particularly linked to Salisbury Cathedral.

This year she added new work every day to keep up with demand, on top of spending most of the week in the shop talking to customers about the different styles and techniques, the pictures, and the inspiration behind them. The Hospital Friends were extremely grateful to Joan for everything she did to make the exhibition such a success, and bringing pleasure to locals and tourists alike. The third market day painting was an entry in the 'Vision of Blandford' section of the exhibition of Blandford Art Society in the second week of August - not a winner for the artist David Windsor but the final piece of a not quite matching but comparable trio. • For exhibition report see page 21.

The 2014 reproduction (new edition) of her 1969 book 'Dorset: The Isle of Purbeck' is available from the museum shop, priced at £12.

Joan Capron's interpretation of market day.

The second was the exhibition and sale in the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital charity shop in Barnack Walk of 'affordable art' by volunteer and local artist Joan Capron, whose paintings, prints and greeting cards raised an incredible £2,302 for the charity, adding to more than £2,000 raised in two previous exhibitions.

Rena Gardiner's print of market day in Blandford.

Children's fancy dress winners Amy (Goth) and Alfie (McDonalds Fries) with Alison as a Jester. CHILDREN attending the Blandford Methodist Church Youth Club (Close Encounters) have been donating a small amount of their tuck money to help raise funds for a youth club for children with disabilities. At their end-of-term fancy dress tea party, Deacon Alison McMillan, who has now left the parish after four years to move to the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, thanked the youngsters for raising the funds which have been presented to the charity Coping with Chaos, which runs the youth club at West Moors.

September 2019

Arts centre team calls for public support ideas THE team behind the development of the Fording Point, which in 2018 won full planning permission for a building in Bere's Yard near the Town Museum for use as a performing arts centre next to the Victorian garden project, is now seeking views from the public on how it might be used. Jon Ivay, who has spearheaded the project, said: "Over the past year we've been applying for funding, and are now within touching distance of starting work on the building. "We have a potential funder who could finance the building almost to completion, but we need the help of the public. The funder, via us, would like to hear from the local community. They want to

hear in people's own words what a venue like this would mean for the town and how it would benefit its community. Obviously the more people contact us with their thoughts, the more chance we will have of securing this funding." The team can be emailed at info@thefordingpoint.com, or contacted through a questionnaire attached to the project website at thefordingpoint.com, where people can let them know what type of activities they would like to see at the Fording Point. "We need to make sure what we're planning is what the town wants," said Mr Ivay. "Answering our questions is your chance to influence the plans and be part of an amazing project for Blandford."

Story entrants flooding in from far and wide BLANDFORD Rotary's annual short story competition has got off to an excellent start. Now in its fifth year, it has attracted entries from the local area and from as far afield as Essex, Croydon, Truro and Australia. Competition organiser Adrian Ford said the response, a month before the closing date of September 30, was very encouraging. "We are pleased that the inclusion of a poetry section for the first time has stimulated a lot of interest and plenty of entries." The poetry category (up to 40 lines) is one of five, the others being: under-18 (up to 1,000 words); Flash Fiction (up to 250 words); open (up to 1,500 words); open special (up to 750 words

and set around the Trafalgar Way route through Blandford). Prize money has been increased this year with the top overall winner receiving £200 (plus the Mayor's Cup presented by the Town Council). Entry fees range from £2.50 to £4 depending on category with a 50% reduction for entrants receiving benefit. Entries by the shortlisted finalists in each category will be read at the presentations and prizegiving evening on Friday November 1, starting at 6.30pm, at the Parish Centre, followed by announcement of the winners. Refreshments will be available and all are welcome. For more information, see blandfordrotary.org.uk or contact Adrian on adeoz59@gmail.com.

September 2019

Perfect showcase for artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; talent BLANDFORD Art Society's annual exhibition and sale was again a delightful showcase of the skills and talents of its members and of other exhibitors contributing to the display in the Corn Exchange. It was officially opened by Mayor of Blandford Lynn Lindsay at a private view, where guest artist Dennis Hill, president of Broadstone Art Society, recalled his first involvement with the society about 60 years ago. Now aged 95, he said it was wonderful to see an open exhibition which opened up so much talent from outside the society as well as within it. Two other guest artists were decoupage and glass artist Jane Trevaskis and ceramic and bronze resin sculptor Pippa Hill of Charlton Hawthorne. The exhibition, visited by more than 1,000 people between August 12 and 17, included on the stage an extensive display of Key Stage 3 Art artwork from The Blandford School. Society chairman Sue Coke welcomed as an exhibitor this year's Society bursary winner Seren Birtles, nominated by the school's head of art, who is going to study textiles and ceramics at Bath Spa University. Last year's bursary winner Ella O'Loughlin, who said the cash donation supported her arts foundation course at St Martins in London and future in the creative industry, also exhibited.

The Esme Butler Memorial Trophy for a 'Vision of Blandford' went to Jackie Brown, who said that after only recently moving to Blandford, she had illustrated what seemed to her to be its key features - the church, Corn Exchange, Mortain and road bridges, river and weir. Peter Smart with his award-winning painting. The winner of the Harding Cup, sponsored for 30 years by the Harding family and this year with the theme of 'Garden Structures', was Wendy Jump. She said her collage, stitch and paint entry 'By the Pond' was the result of a walk down the garden. The Max Bennett Cup for line drawing was won by Andy McIver with 'Bulk Carrier Iron Bridge', and the Chairman's Cup, for a work titled 'Inside Out', was won by Sue Davis. Society president Jestyn Coke said it was humbling to see the quality of work presented. He gave his award to Peter Smart for 'Greyhound', a study of men sitting in a Greyhound bus station in the US, which he said drew the viewer into the conversation between them.

Tribute was also paid by Mrs Coke to the dedication and skill of the exhibition organisers, and to the late Audrey NightingaleSmith, who died earlier this year and had been such a vibrant perJackie Brown, whose 'Vision of son and talBlandford' was judged winner of the ent within Esme Butler Memorial Trophy. the Society.

The View from the Hill by George Hosford More from George on viewfromthehill.org.uk

NEW app on my phone has proved very useful. Called 'Picture This', it is very good at identifying plants from the flower or the leaves; it can even do trees and grasses. Beware if you try it - it is quite hard to avoid being sucked into the ÂŁ20 annual sub after the seven-day free trial ends. It has, however, introduced me to such lovely names as Tormentil, Burnet's Saxifrage, and Squinancywort. One day I found a lovely creature which had ended up lying on its back in the grain store. I carried it around on my hand for a few minutes, where it clung on tight

before suddenly flying off. The beautiful blue markings and intricate wings marked it as a Brown Hawker female dragonfly. It seems to have been a great summer for dragonflies and butterflies. Hedgehogs too - we saw three all together on our lawn one night, very exciting. Brendan was unfolding a large tarpaulin one day, before it was to be washed, and inside its folds he found a beautiful slow worm which didn't seem to mind being picked up but didn't hang around once it was put down. One evening while we were cutting the winter barley, the unmistakeable sound of gas burners broke through the background noise of the grain store and drew our attention to the two hot-air balloons which were buzzing our house. It is such a peaceful and glorious way to see the countryside until the burners are lit. These balloons were drifting up from Winterborne Stickland and heading for Durweston - at one point we were nearly close enough to have a chat with the passengers.

A Brown Hawker dragonfly found in the grain store.

he harvest keeps us all flat out busy at this time of year and started on July 15. The Maris Otter winter barley turned out well; yield and quality are good, so it will head for the breweries later in the year. Straw yield was good, too, so good that it took a day or two to fully dry out before baling, so caught the rain that swept through that week, and it was on the ground for a week before the contractor was able to bale it. After the barley we were straight

September 2019 into the oilseed rape, which has been very variable this year. After suffering from a very dry seedbed last autumn, and wave after wave of attack from flea beetle, it could be said that we were lucky there was any crop to harvest at all. Flower-rich field margins packed with Knapweed, Wild carMany farmers rot, Lady's bedstraw and Common Scabious. ripped up failed rape crops before to our old one though with a winter and re-sowed with someheader five feet wider, and thing else. Most of ours scraped packed with gizmos. through and only in one field did The autosteering by GPS is rather we have any patches with nothing old hat now, but an impressive but weeds. This produced the feature is cameras in the works of worst yield, the combine, taking good-quality below two still pictures every second to tons per show what the grain sample looks hectare like before it goes to the grain (tph), wheretank - a great help with setting the as the best, machine up accurately. Our local for reasons I cannot fathdealer Colin Smart is of the firm om, proopinion that we should change duced just our combine this year (it is now in over four. its 13th year and he has been The average saying this since it was five years at three is old). We will see. the worst we have had since Once the straw bales have been 2004. Our running average is made and hauled, it is time to around 4tph, which we need to start preparing the ground for next make a reasonable margin. year's crops. In some fields we After the rape we launched into have experimented with sowing the spring barley, which like last cover crops (green manure) and year has suffered from the lack of turnips, into standing wheat crops moisture through its short growing using our sprayer equipped with a season. We tried a new variety on four-spinner distributor. a third of the area, which out-perAs we harvest the wheat we find formed the Propino we have been the seeds have managed to gergrowing for several years by a minate and start growing while good margin, so it looks like we the wheat was ripening. Sowing will be dumping it for Planet next into standing crops allows the year. small plants to be able to harvest Where it will go after October 31 more sunlight while the days are is anyone's guess. still long. In other fields we will We had the fun and excitement of sow after the crop is cleared, hopa demonstrator combine to play ing it doesn't get too late in the with - a John Deere of similar size season.

September 2019

Group’s cash aid for dementia projects DONATIONS were made during July to two local groups by the Blandford Dementia Action Alliance (DAA). Anita Roberts, Blandford DAA coordinator, presented the Blandford Knitting Group with £100 towards resources. Anne Bennett and Angela Masterman run the group which meets in the Blandford United Reformed Church every Tuesday morning to knit twiddlemitts and blankets, which are donated to the community hospital and local care homes for people living with dementia. The donation will be used

towards a new project knitting Armed Forces-themed twiddlemitts for veterans. Rev Andy Bell and elders of the church, Jennifer Hurley, Margaret Evans and Judy Stevens, joined the group for a celebration of their work. Anita also met with Abena Farkye and Jane Thorp to present a dementia-friendly chair to Blandford Library. The bold-coloured dual fabrics provide a sensory experience and can be clearly identified. It also provides support for those who may have mobility issues, and will be accessible for all

Ceremonial barrow on show at town museum ON temporary loan this month at the Blandford Museum is the ornamental wheelbarrow and spade made specially for the cutting of the first sod by Lady Smith for the Dorset Central Railway at Blandford St Mary in 1856. It has been brought to the town from the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust Museum at Washford in anticipation of the completion of the project to restore and provide access to the top of the flood arches on Langton Meadows which carried the railway over the river Stour flood meadows. Museum director Dr Sylvia Hixson Andrews has also been presented with a cheque for £112 raised by Paul Hyland and his partner Jana Bundy of 'Baffling Blandford' at the first of their series of 'magical history tours' of the town, which each Sunday in August presented historical detail

The wheelbarrow now on loan to the Blandford Museum. accompanied by magic tricks for their audience. Last year's final event had been intended as a fundraiser for the museum, and when it was rained off, they vowed that the first this year would be for the same cause. Mrs Andrews said: "Here at the museum we feel strongly that we must remain free entry, and support from local people like Baffling Blandford means a lot."

Above: Rev Andy Hall, Anne Bennett, Angela Masterman and the Blandford Knitting Group members display their work with Anita Roberts, Rosemary Spalding and Sue Inman from Blandford Dementia Action Alliance. those who may find it harder to stand. Anita said: "I have provided the library staff with dementia awareness training and have been very impressed with their commitment to making the library environment a safe place for people living with dementia and their carers."

Pictured (from the left): Anita Roberts from Blandford Dementia Action Alliance, Jane Thorp and Abena Farkye from Blandford Library.

September 2019

Oliver triumph has the critics begging for more! THE Blandford School produced another outstanding production at the Tivoli in Wimborne when they staged Lionel Bart's 'Oliver!' which had been fast-forwarded into the present day with a set covered in graffiti. A newspaper review paid tribute to a superb performance fully deserving of the standing ovation it received, and to the modern update of hit songs such as 'Consider Yourself' and 'Oom Pah

Charlie Biggs as Oliver.

Pah' with raves, hip-hop dancing and even flossing by a group which sounded rich and full over the live orchestra, conducted by Nicola Fulker. Critics also recognised the solution to there being more girls than boys involved in a production with students aged between 12 and 18 in turning some of the leading characters, such as Fagin and the Artful Dodger, into female roles. One reviewer wrote: "Molly Garter shone as the Artful Dodger, with a brilliant amount of cheekiness and confidence. Emma Wright owned the stage with her funny and sassy performance of Miss Fagin. "Ellen Wyldes delivered the feisty role of Nancy well, giving an emotional performance of the famous 'As Long As He Needs Me'. Charlie Biggs delivered a heartwarming performance in the lead role of Oliver. Starting slightly nervously, Biggs grew into his

character, and it was beautiful to see his confidence grow on stage for his final solo in 'Who Will Buy'." Praise was also forthcoming regarding the use of scaffolding to create different locations around London, and dancing which was "outstanding, with all the ensemble attacking each breakdance move with attitude and power. A particular stand-out song was 'Be Back Soon' where Fagin's gang almost looked like an army, dancing in sync." All students involved with the production have been awarded Trinity Grade 8 Musical Theatre In-Production with a Distinction. The examiner was in the audience on July 18 and awarded the production 91 out of a possible 100 marks. For group dynamic, students were awarded 19/20 with the examiner commenting that there was a "highly animated and committed sense of ensemble energy and responsibility." Individual performances, staging, design and technical were all awarded 18/20, the examiner praising the characterisation as being "notable for detail, nuance and texture," and that "the updating to modern urban life was full of witty detail and absolutely highlighted the contemporary relevance of the tale." The students who created the graffiti backdrop were praised for successfully conjuring up a modern urban landscape in what was described a "technically tight performance". The school commented:

Ellen Wyldes as Nancy. "Students on and off stage should be exceptionally proud of their marks and feedback. As staff we are very, very proud of the hard work and dedication they show us year after year. "This is their fourth distinction grading in a row, since we introduced the award in 2015. â&#x20AC;˘ A report on the school's A-Level and GCSE results published in August can be found on our website at forumfocus.co.uk. All potential students and their parents are welcome at the school's open day which will be held on Thursday September 19, with a drinks reception before presentations by the head teacher and tours for Year 5 and 6 parents, starting at 6pm. The event will end at 8.30pm.

More pictures by Ash Mills on facing page.

September 2019

Just some of the colourful images from The Blandford School’s brilliant production of ‘Oliver!’ that delighted audiences and critics at the Tivoli in Wimborne. Pictures: Ash Mills.

September 2019

Blandford’s wartime role recalled in print A COMMEMORATIVE book, 'Blandford in the Great War', has been published recording much of the research carried out by the Blandford 14-18 Commemoration Group and others during the war's centenary years. Contributions from the many researchers have been edited by Nicci Brown, editor of Forum Focus, which also, during the centenary, dedicated pages to the commemoration. She said: "Many hundreds of hours were spent preparing the series of exhibitions and events for the town's recognition of the centenary and it seemed right that there should be a permanent record of some if not all the information discovered. "Over a hundred of the millions of deaths during World War One were of Blandford men and boys, and there were also more than 200 from nearby villages.

"The book is a testimony to them and to all the others who served their country and community, but also describes the impact of the war and of the growth and role of Blandford Camp on the everyday life of the town and neighbourhood." It concludes with a short section on the centenary commemorations in Blandford. The 272-page publication, with more than 100 colour and mono pictures, is now on sale for £12, thanks to a contribution from the Commemoration Group from donations received during its exhibitions and events over the past five years. It is on sale at the Blandford Town Museum, Blandford Town Council, Blandford TIC, the Dorset Book Shop or direct by emailing niccitab15@gmail.com or calling 01258 459346 to arrange collection or delivery, with an additional charge of £3 to cover postage and packing.

Nicci Brown with the book 'Blandford in the Great War'.

PoW history board unveiled near Trailway THE official unveiling of an information board, detailing the history of the WW1 prisoner-of-war camp which was operated on the Little Milldown near the North Dorset Trailway, took place in July. The project was supported by a £1,000 grant from Dorset Council's Dorset Community Innovation Fund to the Town

Team, which was topped up by Blandford Stour Rotary from their Project Fund. Other contributors and helpers included the Dorset Rangers, Blandford Town Council and the WW1 Commemoration Group and Blandford Railway Club. Stour Rotary has had a busy summer, starting with the Blandford Hidden Gardens event

which raised Real Ale by about £3,000, their local exceeding last area repreyear's record. sentative Nigel The money Jones. has been distributed to a Two days number of later, four charities and club memlocal causes bers joined including the others from Blandford Stuart Caldwell of the Dorset Rangers, David all walks of Fashion Rose of Blandford Stour Rotary Club, David life in mock Museum, MenCash of Blandford Railway Club and Roger interviews at in-Sheds, The Carter of Blandford Town Council and The Treads, the Blandford Commemoration Group at the unveiling of Blandford the PoW Camp interpretation board on Little School, Opportunity helping to Milldown. Group, give year 10 Blandford Town students a Team, Air Ambulance, Teddy taste of today's working environRocks and the Blandford Food ment. Bank. Thanks have been Then, taking advantage of the expressed to all who opened good weather, members enjoyed their gardens for the event and to a visit to Fiddleford Mill, the the community for supporting it. Lavender Farm, Fiddleford In July, the club enjoyed an Manor, the Stour itself and the informative and entertaining talk pub. on the founding and continuing To find out more about the club, activities of the Campaign for email bsrotarysec@gmail.com.

September 2019

Thanksgiving service for hospital Friends stalwart A THANKSGIVING service took place at St Mary's Church, Shroton, on July 18 for the life of Gordon Adam. Mr Adam was a life vice-president at Blandford Community Hospital, whose Friends he had joined when he retired in 1988, and it was there that he died, aged 87, on July 9. He had actively supported a number of charities, including his sons' primary schools, a hospice in Hertfordshire of which he was a trustee, and working alongside the Princess Royal with Save the Children. Tasked with fundraising for the hospital, he staged a Jumblerama which raised £3,500, and with much remaining stock in 1993 set up a 'temporary' charity shop in Blandford. It was followed by a second in Sturminster Newton, and the pair now raise more than £130,000 a year for the charity. He became a trustee and their fundraising chairman, organising auctions which raised over £100,000, and after retiring as a trustee continued to volunteer regularly as its vice-president.

Gordon Adam. A proud Scot, born in Leith, he qualified as an engineer before serving in the Navy and then joining Marks & Spencer where he progressed to lead the export department, involving travel all over the world. He was awarded an OBE for services to export. He is survived by his widow, Susan, and sons Douglas and Stuart and their families. Donations at the thanksgiving service were received for the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

Romany funeral in town

TRAFFIC was brought to a standstill in Blandford for the funeral of a member of one of the Romany families who have for many years made Blandford cemetery their final resting place. A horse-drawn hearse and a carriage full of floral tributes waited in the Market Place to lead the cortege from the parish church, where the funeral service was held for mother and grandmother Diane Smith, who had died, aged 50. Hundreds of travellers from all over England had come to the family home in Poole to pay their respects. The cortege of five Rolls Royce Phantom cars and a Rolls-Royce hearse was joined by more than 50 vehicles, including two trucks laden with floral tributes. They paused outside Miss Smith's childhood home before continuing to Blandford for the funeral service and on to the cemetery for burial. Family members and mourners followed on foot and by car up Salisbury Street where the committal and commemoration continued with music playing late into the afternoon.

Georgian dress back to its best THIS Georgian dress given to the Blandford Fashion Museum by a local donor has been restored to its original beauty thanks to funding from the town's two Rotary clubs, Blandford and Blandford Stour. The hand-sewn, full-length dress, with high-waisted back-opened fitted bodice, leg of mutton sleeves tapering to narrow buttoned cuffs and a panelled flared skirt, has been carefully surface cleaned, wet cleaned and then repaired by Eileen Powell at a cost of £660. The dress is now on display on a model on the landing looking out over The Plocks, and visitors to the museum can read the detailed processes used to carry out the restoration. Curator Stella Walker said the museum was extremely

grateful to the Rotary clubs for their generous support of the independent local charity which manages the museum at Lime Tree House.

September 2019

Skatefest proves a soaring success SCORES of youngsters of all ages and sizes gathered with their families at the Blandford Skatepark on Stour Meadows for a Skatefest organised by King Ramps. In addition to enjoying hours of freestyle skateboarding, in which the skaters' behaviour towards each other and care for safety was impressive, they were able to watch professional demonstrations by Daryl Dominguez, a member of Team Philippines for the 2020 Olympics, and Jack Maguire, both from London, and take part in competitions and skills workshops. The festival was hosted by Blandford Town Council, whose members and staff were supported by Blandford Stour Rotary in setting up for the day and marshalling for the car park. The main car park was closed for the

safety of attendees, but a designated space for parking was set aside on the meadows. Refreshments were provided by Blandford Youth Club and an icecream van, with first-aid cover by St John Ambulance. Councillor Steve Hitchings, at the planning committee meeting the following day, thanked staff for a very well organised event which had been a great success with an attendance of between 100 and 150 people and some very positive comments on Facebook. But he said that unfortunately it had been let down by the failure of the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) to empty the bins in Stour Park since the Friday. The Town Clerk reported that bins were overflowing across the whole of the meadows, and it had been reported to the DWP.

Skateboarding professionals Daryl Dominguez and Jack Maguire.

Flying high over the Stour Meadows at the Blandford Skatefest.

A scene from Dragon Days, the end-of-term musical production.

Strong showing from Durweston children CHILDREN, parents and staff at Durweston Primary School have been celebrating a successful end to the school year with a solid set of results, either in line with or above national figures. Headteacher Nicola Brooke said: "A third of the year 6s reached the higher standard, and have been sent off to their secondary schools well prepared for the next stage of their education. "While it is always sad to say goodbye, we know our year 6s will take some great memories and our very best wishes with them. And for the rest of us, we're looking forward to coming back and doing it all again next year." The last few weeks of the summer term after the hard academic work was over allowed time to be spent on other areas of the curriculum and the most to be made of their location and the

warmer weather. They included arts, DT and orienteering weeks, a performance and visits from the Life Education Van and the Wessex Labyrinth, cooking lunch over open fires in the forest, and going to see further progress on Durweston bridge, as well as playing a lot of rounders. The year 6s enjoyed kayaking on the Stour followed by a barbecue on the river bank; everyone went for a walk to Stourpaine, with the younger children stopping at the park while the older ones went on to enjoy the views from Hod Hill. The butterflies hatched and were released and the year 6s had a water fight on their last morning with a set of water pistols bought for them by the PTA as a treat. Then it was leavers' service and family picnic before everyone went home for the holidays.

September 2019

Apprentice opportunity for Holly

The Curry Bean pirates SHILLINGSTONE CE Primary School finished the school year with a whole school production of 'Pirates of the Curry Bean'. The children worked very hard to make all the scenery, props and costumes, as well as learning their lines and songs. Headteacher Jane Whitehouse-Sharpe said: "It was wonderful to have every child in the school taking part and a privilege to watch the children flourish in a production as big as this." The school was well supported with full audiences during both the matinee and the evening performance.

The chosen ones KNIGHTON House has announced the first recipients of their Booker Scholarships as Poppy Wareham from Milldown Academy and Sancha Haley from Archbishop Wake School. The scholarships, named after John and Peggy Booker who founded the school in 1950 to provide a first-class education for girls, were open to local girls showing potential either academically, in music, sport, riding or the performing arts to give them the full benefit of a Knighton House education throughout their prep school years. Poppy and Sancha were the outstanding candidates in a very

strong field of nearly 30 girls who applied for the scholarships. Headmaster Robin Gainher said: "We were absolutely thrilled with the response to the Booker Scholarships from the local community which showed to us there is genuine interest in what Knighton House can offer local girls. "Poppy and Sancha impressed us all with their talent and potential and were fully deserving of the two 100 per cent awards. These fully funded awards are true to our charitable mission and are a great way to broaden our contribution to the local community."

BLANDFORD teenager Holly Dore is to become an apprentice in September at Superior, based in Ferndown. As an A-level student at Queen Elizabeth's School in Wimborne, she joined the team at Superior, a leading manufacturer of highintegrity o-rings and seals, for three days' work experience in 2018 to find out more about the company and returned for three more days in April this year. She said: "During my work experience last year I made a brass g-clamp, a g-clamp screw, and several screws of different types to see which was best. This year I was involved in solving a real engineering problem, where parts were getting stuck on a sensor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We made a small acrylic guard for the machine, which was then given to the quality team to test. We also made an o-ring using a manual lathe, and I used the programme on the computer to draw it. "The training manager has been helping me during my work experience. I got to see what other people were doing in different departments and I am proud of everything that I have done as I wouldn't get to do any of it normally."

Holly Dore learning new skills at Ferndown-based Superior. She said she had chosen an apprenticeship which would allow her to gain a degree and learn practical skills, and recommended work experience for anyone wanting to work in a field but unsure what they would enjoy. Superior has its own in-house apprenticeship academy on-site, offering apprenticeships to students as young as 16 to learn about engineering, science and manufacturing. All apprentices are given the opportunity to gain a degree. For more information see superiorltd.com/academy.

The Trustees of Blandford Town Museum Heritage and Arts Trust have reviewed their governance structure and are moving from the Museum's current Unincorporated Association status to the Arts Council's preferred CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) status. An EGM of Trust members will be held at the Blandford Parish Centre on Thursday 12th September at 7pm to approve this change. Trust members only may vote but all are welcome to attend.

Knotting fans gather THE Dorset branch of the International Guild of Knot Tyers hosted its world-wide annual meeting at the Nothe Fort in Weymouth, where there was an exhibition of all types of practical knots and decorative work. Two of the officers of the branch, which meets at the Ship Inn in Weymouth on the second Wednesday of the month, live in North Dorset: chairman Adam Masters lives in Fontmell Magna and works in Blandford, and secretary Peter Goldstone lives in Sixpenny Handley. The Guild is an association of people with interests in knots and knotting techniques of all kinds, with over 1,000 members world-

wide, including academics, surgeons, sailors, sportsmen and women, scouters, magicians, farmers, miners and accountants. Membership is open to anyone interested in knotting. As an educational, non-profit making charitable organisation, it is dedicated to furthering interest in practical, recreational and theoretical aspects of knotting, with the aim of preserving traditional techniques and promoting the development of new techniques for new material and applications. For further information, phone 01725 516258 or email adammasters@hotmail.co.uk or goldstonepg@aol.com.

Quiltersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cash for hospital A TOTAL of ÂŁ1,200 raised in a quilt and patchwork raffle at the Longmeadow Quilters 25th anniversary exhibition in the Portman Hall, Shillingstone, has been presented to Dorset County Hospital's chemo unit for their new appeal to refurbish the unit. It was presented, together with a quilt which will be raffled on the hospital's stand at Dorset County

Show this month, by chairman Rowena Ellis, treasurer Daphne Arnold and vice-chairman Shirley Collier to fundraising and communications manager Rachel Cole and fundraising officer Kitz Clifford. The quilters also make quilts for premature babies at the hospital, and lap quilts for patients in Tarrant Ward at Blandford Community Hospital.

September 2019

Bowlers change their name AFTER years of being known as the Shroton Short Mat Bowls, the club has now changed its name to the Charlton Marshall Short Mat Bowls Club. Club chairman Pete Coombes said: "We would like to thank our sponsor Danny Briggs, the owner of Peak Scaffolding Ltd, for our new team colour polo shirts with our new name logo. "Our thanks also go to all the helpers who volunteered their time in making our introduction day a huge success." AN updated line-up has been announced for the first of the Comedy Exchange's new Laughter Lines at the Brewery Visitor Centre on September 13, with Aiden Sanders taking the place of Niki McCretton, who is unable to make the date. Tickets for the next part of the drive to bring more live entertainment to Blandford are available online at 222.bc-p.co.uk or from Chaffers in Salisbury Street. There's a chance of a pie and a pint between 6pm and 7pm before the show starts at 7.30pm.

September 2019

Signals team pulls in a prize sponsor THE 11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment is the latest military sporting group to secure the backing of Poolebased cyber security business C3IA Solutions, which has sponsored their tug-of-war team. The team, based at Blandford Camp, is highly successful and competes across the country in military and civilian competitions. Led by the aptly named Corporal Dan Pain, the team now attends competitions attired in new kits with the sponsors' logo emblazoned across them. The team have been to Highland Games in Scotland as well as other prestigious tug of war events. Two of their new recruits, Signallers Nial Lewis and Elise Kalaher, have represented England under-18s. Corporal Pain said: "Sponsorship

is crucial and we are extremely grateful to be able to rope in C3IA Solutions. It enables us to wear branded kit and tracksuits so when we arrive at competitions we look the part. "It also encourages the younger guys to try tug-of-war and join one of our teams. We have both men and women's sections for a great sport that requires technique and teamwork - quite literally everybody has to pull together." Matt Horan, security director of C3IA Solutions, said: "Myself and Keith Parsons who set up C3IA Solutions a decade ago are former Signallers and we want to put something back. We have sponsored a variety of Signals sports teams, and when the request came from the tug-of-war team we were pleased to help with a three-year sponsorship deal."

Matt Horan of C3IA Solutions with Corporal Dan Pain from 11th (Royal School of Signals) Signal Regiment.

Swimmers’ team triumph AFTER their successes at the Dorset County Development Meet, the Blandford Flyers swimming club ended the season one better by winning the final round of the Jurassic League - their best result for nearly 15 years. While swimming is not often referred to as a team sport there was no question that this was a gargantuan team effort, with points coming from every swimmer in the team in the delivery of the final result. It also secured them third place overall in the league for 2019, just one point off second place. Head coach Trevor Keep said he was "utterly speechless" at the final result, having primarily been focused on beating the joint third team to secure third place in the league - the club's best overall finish for 13 years. He said: "It was an accumulation of the vast improvements the club has been making over several years, and the committee would like to say a massive well done to all the swimmers and a massive thank you to all the supporting parents and volunteer helpers that have made all this year's successes possible." Anyone wanting to learn more can visit blandfordflyers.co.uk and visit the club at training at Blandford Leisure Centre. THE North Dorset Group of the Dorset Wildlife Trust organise a series of talks each autumn and winter at the Village Hall in Fontmell Magna. The talks take place on the third Wednesday of the month starting on October 16 with a talk on the wildlife of Kingston Lacy by David Smith. The talks start at 7.30pm, last around 45 minutes and are open to everyone. Admission is £2.50 (including refreshments & Honeybuns cakes) and children under 16 may attend free. The proceeds from the talks go to provide tools and equipment for the DWT ranger in North Dorset and in the past few years the group has raised almost £4,000.

32 Sunday September 1: The Art Room - Informal art session, 11am-1pm at The Kings Arms, Blandford, full details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Pimperne Village Fete, Pimperne Village Hall from 2pm, craft stalls, dog show, car boot sale, entertainment, vintage cars, details 07879 003567 Monday September 2: Blandford Floral Group meets United Reformed Church Hall, Whitecliff Mill Street, 2pm with Martina Coleman - Strictly Flowers Blandford Carnival Harry Potter Quiz, Royal British Legion, 7.30pm Wednesday September 4: Blandford Bereavement Group meets Blandford Parish Centre, 11am to 12.30pm, details 01258 453425 Plays For Our Time reading: King Charles III, Blandford Town Museum, 7pm Blandford St Mary Parish Council meeting, Brewery Hall, Hall & Woodhouse, 7pm Blandford Carnival Bingo, Corn Exchange, eyes down 7.30pm Friday September 6: U3A bridge group meet, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, 2 - 5pm all level of play, details 01258 450544 Saturday September 7: CleanUp Blandford meets Marsh & Ham Blue Bridge for town litterpick 10am to 12 noon Blandford War on Waste display from 11am at Blandford Parish Church Blandford Carnival Baby Show, Corn Exchange Blandford, registration from 10.30am, judging 11am Blandford Repair Café, Royal British Legion, Church Lane, 12.30 to 3pm, bring broken items for recycling or repair by volunteers, see Blandford Repair Café on Facebook New Charlton Marshall village hall official opening and afternoon entertainment, 2pm Shroton Summer Show, Shroton village hall Blandford Carnival, procession from Holland Way 7.15pm to the Market Place Sunday September 8: Boules, croquet and Pimms, 3pm Stourpaine Village Hall and playing fields, £2 Tuesday September 10: Tarrant Gunville WI, 'Adoption - a Journey'. Tarrant Gunville Village Hall 7.15pm. £4 for non-members includes supper. Details 01258456202 Wednesday September 11: NHS Retirement Fellowship meeting, 10.15 am Committee Room, Blandford Community

What’s on this month Entries in this diary are free of charge. If you have an event you would like included, send details to Nicci Brown, 01258 459346 or email events@forumfocus.co.uk. This page is available and regularly updated on our website at www.forumfocus.co.uk. Readers are advised to check with event organisers before attending. Hospital, Kay Townsend - ‘The Fairground at War’, details 01929 472441 Sturminster Newton Floral Group meets The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 7.30pm, demonstration. ‘Miss Potter and Friends’, Elizabeth Witcombe Dorset Moviola shows ‘Fisherman's Friends’, Fontmell Magna village hall, 7 for 7.30pm. Thursday September 12: Forum Cancer Support Group, Woodhouse Garden Pavilion 2 to 4pm, details 07561 114644 New weekly square dance beginners sessions start Spetisbury village hall, 3 to 5pm, details 01202 731012 Blandford Town Museum EGM, Blandford Parish Centre, 7.30pm Friday September 13: Shambles craft fair in front of the Blandford Corn Exchange 9-2pm (also on Friday September 27) Wessex Acoustic Folk, Blandford Royal British Legion Club, Church Lane, 8pm, Kristina Olson Blandford Evening Women's Institute Garden Party, The Parish Centre, The Tabernacle, 7pm Friday to Sunday September 13 to 22: Dorset Architectural Heritage Week (DAHW) free entry events Saturday September 14: Dorset Historic Churches Ride & Stride DAHW West Gallery & Internal Tower Tour to Bellringing & Clock Chambers - St Peter & St Paul's Church, 2.30pm info and bookings 01258 456367 or email blandfordchurchtours@gmail.com Blandford Community Expo and Town Council Budget Consultation, Corn Exchange, 10am to 2pm (Town Hall and Council chamber open) DAHW Town Centre Heritage Walk (free) 1pm from Morrisons car park, details 01258 459346 Picnic in the Park, Woodhouse Gardens, Blandford, 11am to 3pm RNLI (Lifeboats) Fund Raising Sale, Charlton Marshall (new) Village Hall, 12 to 4pm. Laughter Lines at the Brewery Tap, Blandford St Mary, food from 6pm, show starts 7.30pm, tickets Blandford Community Promotions (b-c-p.co.uk) American folk duo Hungrytown, Shroton Village Hall, tickets: £10

from The Cricketers, 01258 860421, or enabrookcottage@gmail.com Saturday and Sunday September 14 and 15: Free Expression Arts Festival, 10am to 4pm, exhibition Blandford Parish Centre, Saturday and Sunday; workshop and Arts Fair, Blandford Town Centre and Bere's Yard, Sunday only Sunday September 15: Charity fun ride in aid of Bryanston Group RDA, 9.30am to 12 noon, Canada Farm, Winterborne Stickland DT11 0LU, details 01258 863683 or springheadjackie@hotmail.com DAHW Town Centre Heritage Walk (free) 11am from Morrisons car park, details 01258 459346 National Federation of Horticultural Societies Show, Tarrant Keyneston village hall, details 01258 452380 Opera Holloway: La Bohème, Stalbridge village hall, 7pm, details 01963 362355 or artsreach.co.uk Monday September 16: Strictly Come Tea-Dancing, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 2.30pm to 4.30pm, with music from the Soggy Biscuit Dance Band Tuesday September 17: Child Okeford Flower Arranging Club, 'Parallel thinking', A practical workshop, Child Okeford Village Hall, 2.15pm, details: 01258 863775 Wednesday September 18: Valley Gardening Club meets Pamela Hambro Hall, Winterborne Stickland, 7.30pm for talk, Salvias (Nigel Hewish of Kingston Maurward), details valleygardening@gmail.com Thursday September 19: Age Concern Blandford Annual General Meeting, 4 Nightingale Court, Blandford, 2pm - all welcome, tea and coffee provided Blandford Art Society Demonstration by Ruth Ander mono-printing, 2pm, Pimperne Village Hall, non-members £4, full details blandfordartsociety.weebly.com Blandford Museum Archaeology Group talk: 'Pre-historic English chalklands' Mike Allen, at the Museum, 7.30pm Friday September 20: DAHW Blandford Forum Cemetery Chapel, 10am to 2pm Quiz Night, Child Okeford Village

September 2019 Hall 7.30pm, £5 per person, maximum per team 6, soup & rolls half time, bring your own drinks, in aid of Child Okeford Village Hall, tickets 01258 861055 Saturday September 21: Cats Protection Coffee Morning & Stalls, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, Blandford, 10am to 12.30pm DAHW West Gallery & Internal Tower Tour to Bellringing & Clock Chambers - St Peter & St Paul's Church, 2.30pm. See September 14 Jumble Sale, stalls and refreshments, Okeford Fitzpaine Village Hall DT11 0RE, from 2pm, in aid of hall funds Sunday September 22: Medieval Moot, Corn Exchange and Shambles, 10am to 4pm New monthly board game and tea evenings start at Blandford Parish Centre, 4.30 to 6pm Tuesday September 24: Bryanston Choral Society open rehearsal, new singers welcome, Blandford Parish Church, 7.30pm Thursday September 26: Blandford Horticultural Society meets United Reformed Church Hall, Blandford, Alan Easton on Climbers and Wall Shrubs, 7.30pm, details 01258 452380 Friday September 27: Blandford U3A Open Meeting, Durweston village hall, 2pm, Martin Stewart of Stewart's Nurseries - Eight generations: one passion, details 01258 455081 Film Night: 'Fisherman's Friends' (12A), Child Okeford Village Hall, 7.30pm, booking: 01258 860113 Wessex Acoustic Folk, Blandford Royal British Legion Club, Church Lane, 8pm, Merry Hell Saturday September 28: Oktoberfest and Hill Race, Child Okeford, details 01258 863817 ‘It's in the Post’, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion, 10.30am to 3.30pm, exhibition by Blandford Forum & District Stamp Club of postcards, stamps and postal history, including world war The Comedy Exchange, Corn Exchange, Blandford, 7.30pm, tickets Blandford Community Promotions (b-c-p.co.uk) or Chaffers Estate Agents, Salisbury Street Ambassadors Big Band at the new Charlton Marshall Village Hall, 7.30pm Charity Quiz, Farquharson Arms, Pimperne, 8pm Saturday and Sunday September 28 and 29: Model Railway Clubs exhibition, The Blandford School, Milldown Road, Blandford, 10am to 5pm Saturday, 10am to 4pm Sunday, see wamrc.co.uk